InfraBlaze 2024 – Event Summary

Date: 3rd December to 5th December 2024

Event: Infrablaze - 10th Edition
Theme: Amrit Kaal: Forging India’s Golden Era
Organized By: Infrastructure Management Committee (IMC), Symbiosis Centre for Management and Human Resource Development (SCMHRD)

Event Overview:

Infrablaze, the flagship event of the Infrastructure Management Committee at SCMHRD, celebrated its 10th edition with the theme "Amrit Kaal: Forging India’s Golden Era." The three-day event brought together industry leaders, domain experts, and students to deliberate on critical topics shaping India's infrastructure and energy sectors. The event provided an interactive platform for discussions, knowledge-sharing, and skill development, focusing on India's strategic growth, sustainable practices, and the integration of modern technologies.

Day 1: Panel Discussion

Topic: Optimizing India’s Infrastructure: Strategizing for 2047 & Beyond
Date: 3rd December 2024
Speakers:

  1. Mr. Shubhayu Dutta, Associate Vice President, EY | Strategy & Infrastructure Advisory

  2. Mr. Amal Bhattacharya, Assistant Vice President, Tata Projects

  3. Mr. Nilabha Dey, Director, KPMG

Key Highlights:
The discussion explored the evolving infrastructure landscape, its challenges, and future strategies.

  • Engineering & Procurement Challenges:

    • Mr. Bhattacharya emphasized infrastructure funding growth and its pivotal role in securing food, housing, and logistics.

    • Mr. Dutta shed light on inland waterways' potential to reduce logistics costs and proposed policy support for Infrastructure Overdraft Bonds.

    • Discussions highlighted India's heavy reliance on road freight (63%) compared to global standards.

  • Urbanization and Project Execution:

    • Urbanization challenges such as poor planning, delays in railway projects, and solutions like metro systems and flyovers were discussed.

    • Successful projects like the Chennai and Pune metros and ROW acquisition strategies were shared.

  • Technological Advancements:

    • Integration of Building Information Modelling (BIM), IoT, drones, and risk assessment tools in project management was highlighted.

    • Emerging technologies such as blockchain, predictive analytics, and IoT investments were discussed.

  • Environmental Challenges:

    • Innovative practices such as zero-trail piling, sound barriers, and tree plantation measures in infrastructure projects were explored.

Takeaway for Students:
Panelists encouraged students to focus on project assessment, investment opportunities, and productivity in infrastructure. Skills like BIM expertise, contract lifecycle management, and analytical proficiency were recommended.

The session concluded with insightful Q&A and a thank-you note from the IMC.



Day 2: Panel Discussion

Topic: India’s Journey to Net-Zero: Pioneering Energy Transition and Innovation
Date: 4th December 2024
Speakers:

  1. Mr. Binoy Kalaria, Zonal Head - Solar O&M, Tata Power

  2. Ms. Vidya Chavan, Senior Project Manager, KPIT

  3. Mr. Dhruv Dhiman, Vice President, Indian Energy Exchange Limited

Key Highlights:
The panelists discussed India's ambitious Net-Zero target and strategies for achieving it.

  • Net-Zero Goals:

    • Focused on renewable energy adoption, energy system decentralization, and innovative carbon trading through the Indian Carbon Exchange (ICX).

    • Addressed Scope 3 emissions, highlighting complexities in IT industries and the role of policies.

  • ESG Challenges:

    • Profitability vs. sustainability challenges, resource trends, and project modeling techniques were emphasized.

    • Clarity on Corporate Governance (CG) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in ESG implementation was provided.

Skill Recommendations for Students:
Students were advised to focus on certifications, work presentation, and showcasing conviction. Knowledge of energy transitions and innovations was deemed essential for success in the field.

The session concluded with a vibrant Q&A, addressing topics like nuclear energy, solar technology, and carbon emission policies.

Day 3: Guest Lectures

GL-1: Strategic Growth through Supply Chain Sustainability and Cost Optimization

Date: 5th December 2024
Speaker: Ms. Aditi Sharma, Vice President - Integrated Global Supply Chain, Schneider Electric

Highlights:
Ms. Sharma provided insights into supply chain sustainability and cost efficiency.

  • Supply Chain Frameworks:

    • Discussed Six Sigma methodologies, demand planning, and distinguishing between value-added and non-value-added activities.

    • Emphasized ESG factors and benchmarks in building sustainable supply chains.

  • India’s Position in Supply Chains:

    • Highlighted India's strategic advantages like cheap labor and consumerism while addressing challenges like air pollution and renewable energy adoption.

Student Engagement:
Ms. Sharma answered questions about evolving supply chains, MSME growth strategies, and global SCM challenges. Her session inspired attendees to embrace precision and collaboration in supply chain operations. 

GL-2: Innovations in Maintenance and Inspection for Sustainable Oil and Gas Operations

Date: 5th December 2024
Speaker: Mr. G.V. Hymarao, Chief General Manager (Maintenance & Inspection), Southern Region

Highlights:
Mr. Hymarao shared innovative techniques in maintenance and inspection for oil and gas operations.

  • Inspection Techniques:

    • Discussed ultrasonic testing, radiography, and pipeline inspection technologies like pigging and hydraulic pressure testing.

    • Introduced corrosion prevention methods such as Cathodic Protection for pipelines.

  • Standards and Sustainability:

    • Emphasized adherence to API standards and the importance of regular maintenance for infrastructure safety and sustainability.

The lecture concluded with a Q&A session, enriching attendees’ understanding of sustainable practices in the oil and gas industry.


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